Growing up, I knew I wanted to be an entrepeneur and a baker. Practicing law was not a dream until I arrived to college and figured I had to do something with my life right around junior year. For the most part, I had always wanted to become successful as a fashion designer and move to New York. I have countless notebooks full of sketches. Gowns, that's what I wanted to become known for... beautiful and glamourous evening gowns.

I find it interesting that I later decided and applied to law school because, as I have previously mentioned, I have been really timid most of my life. Then, in high school during senior year, someone said I should sign up for the local city pageant. I mentioned the idea to my mom and she pleaded that I participate. She wanted to see me wear a gown and wear a little bit of lipstick.

I agreed.

Fast forward to today and I am so thankful I participated in the Miss Donna pageant back in 2004. It truly was a launching pad for my communication skills. I still find myself telling some of my clients that I am really shy but they have a hard time believing me. As I think about it, I am no longer shy. I have become an outgoing young woman and I actually enjoy public speaking. Seriously, give me a microphone and I'll give you a piece of my mind :)

The world of pageantry opened many doors for me but what I am most thankful for are my scholarships that I earned and the confidence in my speaking skills. I am not going to lie and say it was all peachy and sparkly because it was not. Trust me, there were some interesting things I experienced both positive and negative. For a good chunk of time I came to dislike the world of pageantry and never wanted anything to do with it. It was then that I realized we can never let negative people take the good things we see in others away from us.

Now I could go on and talk about how I later discovered world peace or something like that but the truth of the matter is I didn't. What I discovered is who I am as an individual and what I want out of my life. I came full circle with the world of pageants and it was very important that I inform my community what great pageantry can do for young women in the community. That is why my mother and I started the Rio Grande Valley Beauty and the Miss Donna Sweetheart Scholarship pageants. Right now, we are in full pageant mode preparing for the Miss Donna Sweetheart Pageant.

The pageants are completely free of cost to every contestant. I am very proud of this. My mom works harder to make this possible but we think it's worth making the pageant accessible to all girls interested in competing. My goal, personally, is to give someone the opportunity to believe in themselves... just the way pageants helped me.

So, I'd like to introduce you to some of our 2010 winning queens. These girls did an amazing job this past year representing our community, Donna.

For more information regarding the Miss Donna Sweetheart Pageant and/or the Miss Rio Grande Valley Beauty 2011 Pageant, head on over to WWW.ROTUNNOPRODUCTIONS.COM.

Oh, and I am finally feeling better! Wohoo! I think tomorrow I should be back to my good ol'e healthy self :)